My Experience at Shah’s Halal Food in Commack, New York
On Wednesday, April 30th, 2025, I visited the Shah’s Halal Food location in Commack, Long Island. I deliberately chose to visit during peak hours to see how they handle crowds, and this particular location was bustling with activity.
Unlike traditional fast food chains like McDonald’s or Burger King, Shah’s Halal Food offers a different concept that’s more comparable to Moe’s or Chipotle. The restaurant was relatively small, similar to an ice cream shop in size, with just a few tables. Most of the space is dedicated to the counter where staff prepare the food.
The setup follows a buffet-style arrangement behind a glass window, with all ingredients displayed for workers to scoop into either sandwiches or bowls. Visiting during rush hour proved advantageous, as the high turnover ensured everything was freshly prepared. Nothing sat around at room temperature for long.
At Shah’s, customers can order a sandwich on a gyro or what they call a “salad” – essentially the popular New York City chicken and rice bowl. Various meat options are available, but I opted for chicken. You can choose to have your protein served on a bed of lettuce, rice, or both. I selected their distinctive rice as my base.
There are two chicken varieties, one spicier than the other. I complemented my bowl with fresh vegetables – cucumbers and tomatoes – and topped it with their signature white sauce rather than the hot sauce option. Though I enjoy spicy food, I don’t eat this cuisine regularly and decided to play it safe with the white sauce, which offers a perfect harmony of subtle tanginess and a hint of sweetness that enhances the meal.
I also ordered pita bread on the side and treated myself to a prepackaged baklava for dessert. What impressed me most was the freshness of everything. The salad was crisp with crunchy vegetables bursting with flavor, and the chicken was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The white sauce tied everything together with its creamy, dreamy quality.
If you’re looking for quick, healthy food with bold flavors, I highly recommend checking out Shah’s Halal Food. It’s no wonder they’ve become one of the fastest-growing halal food chains in the country, offering an alternative to conventional fast food that doesn’t compromise on taste or quality.
The Origin Story
Shah’s Halal Food began its journey in 2005 with a humble food cart in Richmond Hill, Queens, on 121st and Liberty Avenue. The family chain is owned by CEO Khalid Mashriqi, who transformed a single street cart operation into a growing empire. From these modest beginnings, Shah’s has expanded to more than 90 locations through franchising, primarily on the East Coast. Today, most locations are in the DC to Boston corridor, but the brand has also expanded with locations elsewhere in the United States, with some establishments in London, England, and even Canada.
While many might confuse Shah’s Halal Food as an Indian cuisine restaurant due to its name, it’s actually a Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired halal food chain. Their signature dishes blend the vibrant essence of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors into their offerings. The restaurant has become known for its build-your-own meal concept, featuring proteins like chicken, lamb, and falafel served over rice or in pita wraps, all topped with their famous white sauce.
What Makes Shah’s Stand Out
What distinguishes Shah’s Halal Food from other quick-service restaurants is their commitment to halal preparation methods and their signature white sauce, which has developed something of a cult following. Their iconic white sauce is central to their brand identity and is beloved among food enthusiasts and the American halal community.
The restaurant maintains a streamlined menu focused on quality ingredients and authentic flavors rather than an extensive selection. This approach allows them to perfect their core offerings: rice platters, gyros, and sandwiches featuring chicken, lamb, falafel, fish, or kofta kebabs, all customizable with various sauces and toppings.
For those unfamiliar with halal food, it refers to food prepared according to Islamic dietary guidelines. Shah’s success demonstrates the growing popularity of halal dining options among diverse consumers, not just those following religious dietary restrictions. Their rapid expansion across the East Coast and beyond speaks to the universal appeal of their fresh, flavorful approach to fast food.
Whether you’re familiar with Middle Eastern cuisine or trying it for the first time, Shah’s Halal Food offers an accessible entry point with consistent quality and authentic flavors that keep customers coming back for more.
